This week’s Q&A is a mini webinar all about overcoming canter anxiety and building confidence step by step. Nicole shares a really helpful perspective on why the canter can feel so intimidating, and how breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces can make it feel so much more doable.

In this mini-webinar, you’ll learn:

1. Why the canter feels so intimidating and what’s really happening
2. The foundation for confidence through position, balance, and preparation
3. Simple strategies to build confidence step by step

One of the biggest themes in this session is that confidence comes from preparation. She talks through the key foundations that make the canter feel safer and more rideable, from position and balance to the trot exercises that directly support better canter work. There is also a great discussion on how improving the basics can take away that feeling of surprise and give riders more control.

Nicole also shares a simple exercise, “bookending the canter” that is especially helpful for nervous riders, plus answers questions about rushing, unstable lower legs, horses that speed up instead of striking off, and how to rebuild confidence after setbacks. If the canter has ever felt overwhelming, this episode has a lot of encouragement and practical ideas to help you feel more secure.

Download the free canter checklist here.

Happy Riding,

Amelia

PS. The Canter Challenge is now open for enrollment, so if this is something you’re working on right now, it’s perfect timing to dive in a bit deeper. Check it out here.